Salvador International Airport (AIES) Expansion Project

In early 2022, the government of El Salvador launched a historic expansion project for the San Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport (AIES), a key infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting the country’s economy and air transport capacity. With a total investment of $56 million, the project included expanding the passenger terminal by 21,672.95 square meters, adding five new boarding bridges, and upgrading supporting facilities, all to increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 5 million people. As a critical part of this project, the electrical system required high-quality, certified wires to ensure safe and stable operation—this is where Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. stepped in, providing tailored solutions for the airport’s wiring needs.

1. The Urgency of Reliable Electrical Wiring for AIES Expansion

The AIES expansion project was a landmark initiative for El Salvador, overseen by the country’s Commission Executive Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA) and supported by President Nayib Bukele’s administration. The project’s electrical system faced unique challenges, as airport infrastructure demands wires that can withstand harsh conditions, meet strict international safety standards, and ensure uninterrupted power supply for critical areas like passenger terminals, boarding bridges, luggage handling systems, and emergency lighting.

Before partnering with us, the project team encountered several pain points. First, they struggled to find a supplier that could provide wires with valid UL certification—an essential requirement for airport projects in El Salvador, as it ensures compliance with global safety standards. Many local and international suppliers either lacked this certification or could not guarantee consistent product quality. Second, the project had tight timelines; the expansion was scheduled to be completed by early 2023, so the supplier needed to deliver products on time to avoid delaying the entire project. Third, the project required multiple types of wires for different applications, and the team needed a supplier with the expertise to recommend the right products and provide pre-sales samples for testing.

After researching potential suppliers, the AIES project team chose Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. for our proven experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, our complete UL certification, and our commitment to on-time delivery and pre-sales support. The core wires selected for the project included THHN nylon insulated copper wire, MC Cable, and Type TC-ER Power Cables—each chosen for their unique advantages that addressed the project’s specific needs.

2. Choosing the Right Wires for Airport Applications

Our team worked closely with the AIES project engineers to assess their specific requirements and recommend the most suitable wires. We focused on matching each wire type to its intended application, highlighting the differences between our products and other options on the market to justify their selection.

The first key product was THHN nylon insulated copper wire, which we supplied in sizes 12 AWG, 10 AWG, and 8 AWG—ideal for the airport’s control circuits, terminal lighting, and small-power electrical systems. Unlike standard PVC wires, THHN nylon insulated copper wire features a dual-layer insulation (PVC inner layer and nylon outer layer) that provides superior heat resistance (rated for 90°C in dry locations) and mechanical strength. This made it perfect for the airport’s terminal buildings, where electrical components often generate heat and wires are routed through tight spaces. Compared to ordinary BV or RV wires, THHN nylon insulated copper wire has a thinner insulation layer, saving space in cable trays and junction boxes, while its nylon sheath is oil-resistant and easy to pull through conduits—critical for efficient installation in the busy construction site.

For exposed and high-traffic areas, such as the boarding bridges and luggage handling zones, we recommended MC Cable (Metal-Clad Cable) in sizes 4 AWG to 1/0 AWG. MC Cable consists of insulated copper conductors enclosed in a flexible interlocking aluminum sheath, providing excellent mechanical protection against physical damage, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and harsh environmental conditions. Unlike BVV cables, which lack a separate grounding conductor,MC Cable includes a full-size grounding wire, enhancing safety in critical areas. It was chosen over other flexible cables because of its durability and suitability for exposed runs, which are common in airport expansion sites where construction activities could damage unprotected wires.

For the airport’s main power distribution system, we supplied Type TC-ER Power Cables in sizes 2/0 AWG to 4/0 AWG. These cables are designed for cable tray installations and direct burial, with a rated voltage of 600/1000V and a temperature rating of 90°C in both wet and dry locations. They feature cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation and a rugged PVC jacket, making them resistant to moisture, chemicals, and sunlight—essential for the airport’s outdoor power distribution lines. Compared to Type MC cables, Type TC-ER Power Cables are more flexible for long-distance runs and offer better resistance to environmental stress, making them the ideal choice for connecting the airport’s main electrical room to various terminal buildings.

To address the project team’s concerns about product quality, we provided pre-sales samples of all three wire types for testing. Our samples underwent rigorous checks by the project’s engineering team, who verified their compliance with UL standards (UL 83 for THHN nylon insulated copper wire, UL 1569 for MC Cable, and UL 1277 for Type TC-ER Power Cables) and confirmed their performance in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

3. UL Certification and Strict Quality Control

Safety is non-negotiable for airport infrastructure, and our commitment to quality and certification was a key factor in winning the AIES project. All our wires are fully UL certified, which is mandatory for electrical products used in El Salvador’s critical infrastructure projects. The UL certification ensures that our wires meet the highest safety standards for fire resistance, electrical performance, and durability—critical for an airport where power outages or electrical failures could disrupt operations and put passengers at risk.

In addition to UL certification, we implemented strict quality control measures throughout the production process. Our THHN nylon insulated copper wire, MC Cable, and Type TC-ER Power Cables are made with high-purity copper conductors (complying with ASTM B-3 standards) to ensure excellent electrical conductivity and low resistance. We conduct 100% testing on all products before shipment, including voltage resistance tests, insulation resistance tests, and mechanical strength tests, to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards. This rigorous quality control meant the AIES project team could trust that our wires would perform reliably in even the most demanding conditions.

4. Meeting Tight Deadlines for Project Success

The AIES expansion project had a strict timeline, with the new terminal scheduled to open in February 2023. We understood that any delay in wire delivery would impact the entire project, so we developed a detailed production and delivery plan to ensure on-time arrival. Our production team prioritized the AIES order, allocating dedicated resources to manufacture the THHN nylon insulated copper wire, MC Cable, and Type TC-ER Power Cables efficiently.

We also coordinated closely with international logistics partners to arrange sea shipping from China to El Salvador, ensuring smooth customs clearance and timely delivery to the construction site. The total order—including 50,000 meters of THHN nylon insulated copper wire, 30,000 meters of MC Cable, and 20,000 meters of Type TC-ER Power Cables—was delivered in three batches between June and October 2022, perfectly aligning with the project’s construction schedule. Our team also provided detailed installation guidelines to the project’s electricians, helping them install the wires efficiently and correctly, further supporting the project’s on-time completion.

5. Reliable Wires Powering AIES’ New Era

In February 2023, the AIES expansion project was officially inaugurated by President Nayib Bukele, marking a major milestone for El Salvador’s air transport sector. Our wires played a critical role in powering the airport’s new facilities, ensuring stable and safe electrical supply for all critical systems. The THHN nylon insulated copper wire performed exceptionally well in the terminal’s control circuits and lighting, with no issues of overheating or insulation damage. The MC Cable withstood the heavy construction activity and high foot traffic in exposed areas, maintaining its integrity throughout the project. TheType TC-ER Power Cables provided reliable power distribution across the airport, even in outdoor and damp conditions.

The project’s success was widely recognized, with CEPA noting that the electrical system’s performance exceeded expectations. The airport now handles over 5 million passengers annually, supporting El Salvador’s “open skies” strategy and attracting new airlines like Arajet and Air Transat. Our wires contributed to this success by providing a reliable, safe, and long-lasting electrical infrastructure that will support the airport’s operations for decades to come.

6. Cooperation Value and Customer Feedback

Our partnership with the AIES expansion project team went beyond just supplying wires—we provided a complete solution that addressed their core pain points: UL certification, product quality, on-time delivery, and expert support. The project team valued our transparency, professionalism, and commitment to meeting their needs, particularly our pre-sales sample service and detailed installation guidance.

The team recognized that our UL-certified wires not only ensured compliance with local and international standards but also reduced the risk of electrical failures, which could have costly consequences for the airport. They also appreciated the durability of our products, which minimized the need for future maintenance and replacement, saving time and costs in the long run. Overall, the cooperation was a success, and the project team has expressed their willingness to partner with us for future infrastructure projects in El Salvador.

7. Choose GERITEL for Your Next Infrastructure Project

The Salvador International Airport (AIES) expansion project is a testament to Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd.’s ability to deliver high-quality, certified electrical wires for critical infrastructure projects. Whether you’re working on an airport, commercial building, industrial plant, or any other large-scale project, we have the expertise, products, and support to meet your needs.

We specialize in THHN nylon insulated copper wire, MC Cable, Type TC-ER Power Cables, and other high-performance electrical wires, all fully UL certified and manufactured to the highest quality standards. Our team has years of experience in exporting wires to countries around the world, including El Salvador, and we understand the unique requirements of international projects. We offer pre-sales sample testing, tailored product recommendations, on-time delivery, and professional after-sales support to ensure your project’s success.

Don’t let subpar electrical wires put your project at risk. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get a customized solution for your next project.

Contact Us

Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd.

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592

Email: manager01@greaterwire.com